Is it safe to prune lavender with hedge trimmers?

Using hedge trimmers on lavender can be detrimental to your plants. I saw it firsthand when a neighbor had their bushes shredded. The way a hedge trimmer cuts crumbles the stems; that's not an effective way to prune. Instead of a clean cut, a hedge trimmer creates jagged wounds and damage to the stem that can lead to disease. Lavender then develops dieback, which radiates several inches from the site of injury. Keep pruning sterile and healthy, use precision tools only.

Immediately repair all damaged plants after the hedge trimmer passes. I clean up wounds with sterilized knives and apply pruning sealant to large cuttings. I will trim back shredded stems to healthy wood. Additionally, I water the plant carefully around the base, avoiding all foliage. Lastly, I monitor the plant weekly for blackening stems. If all else fails, remove and replace the plant.

Proper tool maintenance prevents problems down the road. I sharpen my bypass secateurs monthly; blade replacement is yearly. Store tools in dry conditions. Lubricate pivot points with machine oil as necessary. Well-aid tools will make precise cuts that heal in less than a week; our lavender stays disease-free and vigorous.

For large lavender hedges, I use manual shears as an intermediate solution. Still, I ultimately finish each bush with my secateurs. This strikes a balance between efficiency and accuracy. Don't use power tools only; hand-pruning allows for healing on every cut. Your plants will reward you with thick, lush growth and bounteous flowers.

Read the full article: When to Prune Lavender for Best Results